Question about curly hair!?

I have naturally curly/wavy hair, but after I come out of the shower, it takes about an hour for the curls to start to show up. My hair just reaches the top of my shoulders. The curls usually start to come out after about 3-4 hours, and they're always really loose. I was wondering if mousse could solve this problem? When I come out of the shower, should I scrunch my hair with the mousse? I have no idea how to do this lol, as this is my first time. Are there any products that could help with this? I want a product that I can put in my hair after I get out of the shower that will help keep the curls in and make them stronger. My hair's not that long, btw, it only touches the top of my shoulders. So are there any products for this that I could get at the pharmacy, as it's the nearest to my house? Please help!